Ted Waugh – American Chemistry Council

For more than 25 years, Ted Waugh has helped shape the American Chemistry Council’s legal and strategic direction through steady leadership and a commitment to collaboration. His journey to becoming Assistant General Counsel was driven by curiosity about how environmental policy, law, and industry intersect—and by a belief that progress happens when stakeholders work together toward solutions that balance innovation and responsibility.

“I’ve always been interested in how policy impacts people’s lives and how legal frameworks can promote both environmental protection and economic growth,” Waugh says. “That’s what drew me to environmental law and, ultimately, to the chemical industry.”

At the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Waugh has become an indispensable part of an organization that sits at the crossroads of science, sustainability, and public policy. His tenure reflects both his adaptability and the dynamic nature of the issues facing the chemical and plastics sectors. Over the years, he has navigated shifts in regulation, advanced sustainability initiatives, and helped ACC strengthen its governance, all while maintaining a reputation for thoughtful, team-focused leadership.

A mission grounded in science and stewardship

Founded in 1872, the American Chemistry Council is one of the nation’s oldest and most influential trade associations, representing nearly 200 companies engaged in the chemical industry. ACC’s members include some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers, innovators, and material scientists. The organization advocates for sound science, sustainability, product stewardship, and smart regulation that benefits industry, consumers, and the environment alike.

At its core, ACC works to advance the chemistry that underpins modern life—from renewable energy and clean water technologies to safer, more efficient materials in healthcare, construction, and transportation. That mission demands a legal team capable of managing a rangewide array of issues, from environmental and product-safety regulations to corporate governance and global partnerships.

Waugh’s work touches nearly all these areas. Early in his ACC career, he focused on pesticide regulation, drawing on his background in environmental law and his prior collaboration with government agencies. As the organization evolved, so did his responsibilities. He later provided legal guidance to the plastics division for nearly a decade, a role that positioned him at the forefront of emerging sustainability and recycling policies.

“Working with the plastics division gave me a firsthand view of how innovation in materials can support sustainability,” Waugh says. “It’s not just about managing risks; it’s about helping the industry contribute solutions to some of society’s biggest environmental challenges.”

Guiding change through governance and engagement

Waugh’s deep understanding of ACC’s operations led to new leadership opportunities, including his appointment as Corporate Secretary and, more recently, Acting General Counsel. In these capacities, he manages a team of eight to nine attorneys who provide counsel on everything from compliance and governance to legislative engagement and member relations.

His work as Corporate Secretary centers on supporting ACC’s board of directors, ensuring decisions are made transparently and in alignment with the organization’s mission. Under his leadership, the governance framework is being updated to strengthen member engagement and streamline decision-making processes.

“It’s an exciting time because governance improvements are about positioning ACC for the future,” he explains. “The goal is to make sure our structure reflects how our members do business today—globally, collaboratively, and with an eye on sustainability.”

A central aspect of Waugh’s role involves working closely with federal and state governments on rulemaking and regulatory compliance. He was deeply involved in the implementation of reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), one of the most significant environmental statutes governing chemical safety in the United States. His focus was ensuring that the new framework supported both innovation and public safety.

“Timely chemical reviews are critical,” Waugh says. “When the process is delayed, it can slow innovation and even push production overseas, which may not benefit the environment overall. The key is finding the right balance.”

Driving sustainability through partnerships and innovation

Waugh’s impact extends beyond the borders of the United States. One of the projects he is most proud of is helping to launch the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, a global nonprofit initiative created to address plastic pollution. He led the legal setup for the organization, including drafting bylaws, registering the corporation, and establishing its funding and governance structures.

Serving as general counsel during its startup phase, he played a key role in attracting members, building partnerships, and defining its mission. Today, the initiative includes companies and organizations around the world working together to advance recycling infrastructure, cleanup efforts, and circular economy solutions.

“The Alliance demonstrated what can happen when industry comes together to tackle a shared global issue,” Waugh recalls. “It was an opportunity to show that innovation and collaboration can lead to real environmental progress.”

Back at ACC, he also supported policy development for advanced recycling technologies. His legal work has helped promote recognition of these processes as manufacturing rather than waste management—an important distinction for encouraging investment and scalability. These initiatives, he says, align perfectly with ACC’s long-term vision of enabling chemistry that benefits people and the planet.

“Chemistry is essential to modern life,” he says. “But it’s also essential that we manage it responsibly. That’s the balance we’re always working toward—supporting innovation that meets society’s needs while maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards.”

Leadership rooted in teamwork

Throughout his tenure, Waugh has emphasized collaboration as the cornerstone of effective legal work. He leads a department that operates less like a traditional legal gatekeeper and more as a strategic partner to the business. His approach encourages openness, problem-solving, and mutual respect—values that resonate throughout the organization.

He attributes this to the quality of the people at ACC. “What’s kept me here for more than two decades is the caliber of the staff,” he says. “They’re intelligent, motivated, and dedicated to making a difference. That makes it a great place to work.”

With nearly 200 member companies—many with their own sophisticated legal and government affairs teams—ACC’s collaborative model is essential. Waugh and his team work to ensure alignment in advocacy, helping members engage effectively with policymakers while upholding shared values of safety, sustainability, and scientific integrity.

His English-major background, he admits with a smile, still influences his work today. “So much of law is about communication,” he says. “Being able to write clearly, to frame complex issues in ways that make sense to different audiences—that’s at the heart of what we do.”

That mindset has helped him foster relationships built on trust, both within ACC and across the wider chemical industry. His colleagues describe him as approachable, solutions-oriented, and deeply committed to helping others succeed.

As ACC continues to evolve, Waugh remains focused on ensuring that the legal department stays proactive and aligned with the organization’s goals. He sees his role not only as managing legal risk but also as enabling opportunity. “Legal should be a partner that helps the organization move forward,” he says. “That’s when you know you’re adding real value.”

Continuing a tradition of progress

Looking ahead, Waugh envisions a future where ACC and its members continue leading on sustainability, innovation, and responsible chemical management. He believes the industry’s success depends on maintaining the public’s trust—something built through transparency, engagement, and continual improvement.

“The challenges are complex, but they’re also opportunities,” he says. “We’re helping define what responsible chemistry looks like in the 21st century. That’s a mission worth being part of.”

For Waugh, the American Chemistry Council has been more than a workplace; it has been a platform to connect science, policy, and purpose. His career stands as proof that when legal strategy is integrated with collaboration and vision, it can become a driving force for progress—both within an organization and far beyond it.